Russian Su-57 crashes near Moscow; Ukrainian hackers accused of manipulating air defense

Published Jul 24, 01:02 PM UTC

On July 23, 2026, a Russian Su-57 fighter jet crashed near Zvenigorod in the Moscow region. Russia's defense ministry cited a technical malfunction, but independent group Inform Napalm claims Ukrainian hackers manipulated the Russian air-defense unit Bars Moscow into downing the aircraft. The operation allegedly exploited vulnerabilities in the unit's software and training. Separately, Russia launched a major mechanized assault toward Dobropillia, which failed despite using counter-drone systems. Attacks on Wildberries warehouses continued, with fires reported in St Petersburg. The incident marks a potential escalation in cyber-enabled warfare, though Ukrainian officials have not commented.